Sports Betting Sites: Best & New Online Bookmakers in the USA
Online sports betting in the United States has evolved into a booming industry with millions of active users across the country. As new laws continue to reshape the market, 2025 has already seen the launch of fresh platforms and the expansion of top-rated sportsbooks into new sports betting states.
Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or just getting started, choosing a reliable and feature-rich sportsbook is critical. From welcome bonuses and betting markets to mobile usability and secure payment methods, today’s top betting sites offer more options than ever before. This comprehensive guide will help you discover the best betting sites in the US, explore their features, understand your legal rights, and get started with confidence.
About Sports Betting Sites
The sports betting industry has become an integral part of the American sports culture, offering enthusiasts an opportunity to engage more deeply with their favorite games and teams. Bettors now have access to a vast array of platforms, each providing unique features, various online sports betting market options, and promotional offers. With more operators aiming to offer legal sports betting across US states, players now enjoy the convenience of both retail sports betting and online options across many states.
Sports Betting Laws: State-by-State Guide
The legal status of sports betting in the US varies by state, with each jurisdiction establishing its own regulations for both online and retail sports betting. Some states have moved quickly to legalize sports betting, including both in-person betting and online access, while others have yet to pass legislation to legalize online betting activities. Based on the latest information, here is the updated legal status of sports betting in the specified U.S. states:
| Betting Legal in US States | Betting Illegal in US States |
|---|---|
| Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Washington D.C. | Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Texas, Oklahoma, Utah |
Top 3 Sportsbooks for Betting – Our Rankings
Based on factors such as user experience, betting markets, bonuses, and customer support, here are the top three online sportsbooks for betting in the US:
Bet365 Sportsbook
Bet365 is one of the best options in global sports betting scene. Known for its sleek design, deep sports betting market coverage, and reliable performance, it appeals to both casual and seasoned bettors. Its U.S. operations are growing, although access remains limited to certain states.
- Extensive sports and markets
- Competitive odds
- User-friendly mobile app
- Live streaming feature
- Inconsistent customer support
- Cluttered interface for new users
888Sport
888Sport offers a dynamic online betting site with a strong focus on user engagement, making it especially appealing for newcomers thanks to its promotions and easy-to-use tools.
- Licensed and regulated
- Wide range of betting options
- Excellent live betting features
- Slow withdrawals
- Limited customization
Stake Sportsbook
Stake.com is quickly making a name for itself in the U.S. sports betting and online casino market. With its crypto-first approach, transparent operations, and modern design, it’s becoming a top pick for digital-native users and esports fans.
- Cryptocurrency-friendly platform
- Unique betting options
- Licensed, secure, and community-focused
- No traditional payment options
Variety of Sports to Bet on with These Sportsbooks
These sportsbooks provide an extensive selection of sports to bet online, appealing to both casual enthusiasts and dedicated fans alike. Among the most popular options are:
Football betting is a top choice among bettors, particularly in the United States. The NFL continues to dominate as one of the most popular sports for betting, offering a wide range of sports betting markets throughout the year. Bettors can place wagers on regular-season games, the playoffs, and, of course, the highly anticipated Super Bowl.
NBA betting is a favorite for sports enthusiasts, with markets available for every regular-season matchup and the playoffs. Fans can also explore futures bets, such as predicting championship winners or MVPs.
Hockey enthusiasts can enjoy NHL betting markets that cover the regular season, the Stanley Cup playoffs, and special props like first-goal scorers or total saves by a goalie. The fast-paced nature of hockey makes it an exhilarating option for live betting and pre-game wagers alike.
Tennis betting thrives during major tournaments like Wimbledon, the US Open, the Australian Open, and the French Open. Bettors can wager on match winners, set outcomes, or even in-play markets like the next point winner.
With its global reach, soccer is one of the most popular sports for betting. Sportsbooks offer markets on top leagues like the English Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, and Serie A, as well as international tournaments like the World Cup and UEFA Champions League.
The MLB season spans a long calendar, offering countless betting opportunities. Popular betting options include the moneyline, run line, totals, and even individual player props. With 162 regular-season games per team and the excitement of the playoffs and World Series, baseball is a staple for sports bettors.
Horse racing remains a classic betting option, with sportsbooks providing pari-mutuel wagering options for high-profile events like the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Royal Ascot. Bettors can explore various markets, including win, place, show, and exotic bets like exactas and trifectas.
Motorsports betting includes diverse options such as Formula 1, NASCAR, and MotoGP. Fans can bet on race winners, podium finishes, fastest laps, and even season-long futures like championship winners.
The meteoric rise of competitive gaming has turned eSports into a thriving betting market. Popular games like League of Legends, Dota 2, Counter-Strike 2, and Valorant attract millions of fans and bettors alike.
Bonuses Offered by Top Sports Betting Sites
Sportsbooks entice new users and retain existing ones through various promotional offers. The most common types of betting bonuses are:
Welcome Bonus
A welcome bonus is a reward given to new users when they make their first deposit. This is often a 100% match on the initial deposit, up to a specific amount. For example, a 100% match up to $500 means that if you deposit $500, you’ll receive an additional $500 in bonus funds, doubling your starting balance.
No Deposit Bonus
A no deposit bonus is an incentive provided to new users without requiring any deposit. It allows users to explore the platform risk-free by giving them bonus funds to try out games or place bets.
Free Bets
Free bets provide users with the opportunity to place a wager without using their own money. If the bet wins, users only receive the winnings, not the original stake amount. These are offered as part of welcome packages for new users or as ongoing promotions to reward loyal players.
Reload Bonus
Reload bonuses are incentives offered to existing users when they deposit more funds into their account. These bonuses are smaller than the welcome bonuses but serve as a way to keep players engaged and encourage continued play.
How to Register and Bet with an Online Sportsbook
To dive into the world of online betting, all you need to do is follow this straightforward step-by-step process designed to make it easy and accessible for anyone, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced bettor:
Choose a reputable, licensed sports betting platform that operates legally in your state.
Provide your personal information such as your name, contact information, and other necessary details.
Upload necessary documents, such as a driver’s license or utility bill, to confirm your details.
Pick a payment method and make your first deposit.
Browse your favorite sports in the betting section, select a match, choose your bet type, enter your stake, and place your bet.
Common Types of Bets at Top Online Sportsbooks
Each sportsbook offers a diverse range of bet types carefully designed to cater to the unique betting preferences and strategies of every bettor, ensuring an engaging and personalized betting experience for all.
Moneyline Bets
Moneyline bets are the simplest form of sports betting. You’re simply betting on which team or player will win the match outright. Odds are determined based on the expected likelihood of each side winning, with favorites having lower payouts compared to underdogs.
Point Spread Bets
Point spread bets level the playing field by focusing on the margin of victory rather than just the winner. You bet on whether a team will win by more than a set number of points (the spread) or lose within that margin.
Over/Under Bets (Totals)
Over/Under bets, also known as totals, focus on the combined final score of both teams in a game. You wager on whether the total score will be over or under a number set by oddsmakers. For example, if the total is set at 48.5 points, you decide if the combined score of the two teams will be 49 or higher (over) or 48 or lower (under).
Parlay Bets
A parlay bet combines multiple individual bets into one single ticket, increasing both the risk and the potential payout. To win a parlay, all individual bets included must win. For example, you could combine a moneyline bet, an over/under bet, and a point spread bet into one parlay.
Futures Bets
Futures bets are long-term wagers placed well in advance of an event’s outcome. These bets are focused on big-picture outcomes, such as which team will win a championship or which player will earn an MVP award.
Teasers & Pleasers
Teasers and pleasers are modifications of point spread parlays. With teasers, you can adjust the point spread in your favor, making it easier to win. For example, if a team is favored by -7, a teaser might move that number to -3. However, payouts for teasers are lower due to the reduced risk.
Prop Bets
Prop bets, short for proposition bets, are wagers on specific events or occurrences within a game, rather than the final outcome. For example, you might bet on whether a specific player will score a touchdown in an NFL game or how many three-pointers a player will make in an NBA game.
Types of Betting Odds Across Different Markets
Online sportsbooks in the US provide three primary formats for displaying odds, each catering to different preferences and regions:
- American Odds (+200 / -150): Common in the USA. Positive numbers show potential profit on $100, negative numbers show how much you need to bet to win $100.
- Decimal Odds (e.g., 2.50): Widely used in Europe and easy to calculate. Multiply your stake by the odds for the payout.
- Fractional Odds (e.g., 5/1): Popular in the UK. Shows how much you win compared to your stake.
Popular Betting Features Offered by Betting Sites
Licensed betting sites provide a range of innovative features designed to enhance the user experience, making it easier, more engaging, and enjoyable for users to place bets and explore their platform.
Live Betting
Live betting allows users to place bets while the game is ongoing, with odds that adjust in real time based on game developments. This feature gives bettors the chance to react to events as they unfold, adding an extra layer of excitement and strategy.
Betting Exchanges
With betting exchanges, players bet against each other instead of the sportsbook, meaning users can set their own odds and accept bets from other players. This option provides greater flexibility and can often offer better odds than traditional betting methods.
Spread Betting
Spread betting is a dynamic form of sports wagering where the payout depends on the accuracy of the prediction, not just a simple win or loss outcome. This type of bet rewards precision, making it popular for seasoned bettors looking for more control over their potential winnings.
Bet Builders
Bet builders allow users to create custom bets by combining multiple selections from the same game into a single wager. For example, you can bet on a specific player to score a touchdown, the total number of points in the game, and the winning team—all in one tailored bet.
Live Streaming
Live streaming lets users watch games directly on the sportsbook platform, offering a seamless and immersive experience. With high-quality streams, players can enjoy the excitement of the game as it unfolds, feeling like they’re part of the action.
Early Cashout
The early cashout feature offers bettors the ability to close their bet before the game ends. Whether locking in a win or cutting losses, this option provides flexibility and control, allowing players to react to changing game conditions instantly.
Other Features
Aside from the features mentioned above, sportsbooks also offer a variety of other features to enhance the overall betting experience. These include in-depth statistics and analysis, customizable bet tracking, live match visualizations, and more.
Popular Payment Methods Offered by Sportsbooks
Trusted sportsbooks in the US provide a variety of deposit and withdrawal methods to suit your preferences, ensuring smooth and hassle-free transactions every time:
- Credit and Debit Cards: Most US sports betting platforms accept major credit and debit cards like Visa and Mastercard.
- Cryptocurrencies: Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum are increasingly used by licensed US sportsbooks.
- E-Wallets: E-wallets such as PayPal, Skrill and Neteller are widely supported and offer fast, secure transactions.
- Mobile Payments: Some sportsbooks support mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay, providing convenient one-tap transactions directly from your smartphone.
- Bank Transfers: Traditional bank transfers are commonly used for both deposits and withdrawals. They are reliable, but may take a bit longer to process compared to other methods.
How to Choose the Best Sports Betting Site
Selecting the right sportsbook can make all the difference in your betting experience. Whether you’re a new user or a seasoned player, it’s important to find betting platforms that are fully licensed, user-friendly, and tailored to your preferences.
Betting Markets & Odds
A good sportsbook should offer competitive odds across a variety of sports, leagues, and events. Look for wide sports coverage that includes popular disciplines like football, basketball, and tennis, as well as niche options like esports or darts. Don’t forget to compare odds across multiple platforms to ensure you’re getting the best value on your bets.
Bonuses and Promotions
Promotions can add significant value to your betting experience. Check for generous welcome offers, such as free bets or deposit match bonuses, and ongoing promotions like cashback options, reload bonuses, or loyalty rewards. Be sure to read the terms and conditions, as wagering requirements can vary widely.
Sports Variations
The best sportsbooks cover all the major leagues, like the NFL, NBA, Premier League, and Champions League, but they should also cater to niche interests. Whether you’re into cricket, MMA, or even virtual sports, make sure the sportsbook offers the variety you need to keep things exciting.
Sportsbook Features
Innovative features can greatly enhance your betting experience. Live betting allows you to place bets as the action unfolds, while live streaming lets you watch games in real time. Cash-out options provide flexibility by letting you settle bets early, minimizing potential losses or locking in profits.
Banking Options
Convenient and secure banking is essential. Most of betting sites in the world support fast deposits and withdrawals using a range of payment methods, including credit and debit cards, e-wallets like PayPal, and even cryptocurrencies. Check for hidden fees and ensure they process payouts quickly and securely.
User Experience
A user-friendly betting platform makes all the difference, especially when navigating through games and placing bets. Look for clean layouts, easy navigation, and a responsive design that works seamlessly on desktop and sports betting app.
Mobile Betting
In today’s fast-paced world, mobile sports betting is essential. Most top sportsbooks offer dedicated apps for Android and iOS, or mobile-optimized websites, so you bet on sports on the go. These platforms should offer all the essential features available on the desktop version, including in-play betting and seamless account management.
Customer Service
Responsive and reliable customer support is critical for resolving issues quickly. Look for a betting site that offers 24/7 support via live chat, email, or phone. A helpful FAQ section can also save time by answering common questions.
Responsible Gambling Tools
A responsible sportsbook should prioritize your well-being. Look for features like deposit limits, time reminders, and self-exclusion tools. These resources can help you manage your online gambling habits and keep your experience safe and enjoyable.
Illegal Sportsbooks – Sports Betting Sites to Avoid
Unlicensed or offshore sportsbooks may seem appealing at first, often offering flashy betting promos or better odds. However, they come with significant risks and lack essential player protections that licensed operators provide. Key issues with unlicensed sportsbooks include:
- No regulation by U.S. authorities: These operators are not overseen by any official governing body, leaving you vulnerable to unfair practices.
- No legal recourse for unresolved disputes: If a dispute arises, such as a payment issue or unfair terms, there is no legal framework to protect you or ensure a resolution.
- Lack of responsible gambling features: Licensed sportsbooks are required to offer tools to help players manage their gambling habits, such as deposit limits and self-exclusion options. Unlicensed sites rarely provide such safeguards.
FAQs About Online Betting
Is online sports betting safe and legal for US bettors?
Yes, it’s legal and safe in states where online sports betting is regulated. To ensure security and fair play, always use licensed, and reputable sportsbooks approved by state authorities.
Which sports can you bet on with American sportsbooks?
You can bet on a wide range of sports, including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college football and basketball, soccer, tennis, motorsports, esports, and many others.
What are the best online sports betting sites?
Best online betting sites in 2025 include Bet365, 888Sport, and Stake, thanks to their strong features, user-friendly interfaces, and reliable performance.
What payment methods are available with US sportsbooks?
Many betting sites support Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Skrill, bank transfers, prepaid cards like Play+, and in some cases, cryptocurrencies.
How to choose the best American sportsbook?
Look for betting platforms with competitive odds, a wide variety of sports and bet types, attractive bonuses, responsive customer support, and proper licensing in your state.
What are the best new betting sites for 2025?
Newcomers like Fliff, Betr, and Fanatics Sportsbook are gaining attention for fresh features and modern interfaces tailored to U.S. users.
How long does it take to open a new betting account?
Creating an account usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. This includes filling in your details and completing identity verification, which is required by law.
What deposit methods are available with online bookmakers?
Deposit options vary by betting operator and may include credit cards, debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and even cryptocurrency, offering flexibility to suit different preferences.
Are sports betting sites legal in my state?
Sports betting legislation varies by location. Refer to the table above for an overview, and visit your state’s official gambling commission website for the most up-to-date and accurate details.
Why are betting sites legal in some states and not others?
After the repeal of PASPA in 2018, each state gained the right to regulate sports betting individually. Since then, sports betting is legal in certain states, with laws and regulations varying widely across the United States.
How do US betting sites payout winnings?
Winnings are paid out via your selected withdrawal method—such as bank transfer or PayPal—once your identity and account have been verified.
What is the difference between online betting and offline betting?
Online betting happens through websites or mobile apps, while offline betting requires visiting a physical sportsbook or betting location.
Can I sign up for a betting site if I don’t live in a legal state?
To place bets on U.S. online sportsbooks, you must verify both your identity and location. Online betting is only permitted if you are physically present in a state where it is legally allowed.
What is the difference between legal and offshore betting sites?
Legal sites are licensed and regulated by U.S. state authorities. Offshore sites are not, which means they lack the same consumer protections.
Why do odds vary between online sports betting sites?
Odds differ because each sportsbook platform uses its own algorithms and market analysis to set lines. This can create slight differences in potential payouts.